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INDETERMINATE NEGATIVE WB & ELISA NEGATIVE

Hi,
Please help me to clear my query. I had unprotected sex who HIV status is unknown. But, I suspect, she is HIV positive. My last exposure 8th December, 2015. I first tested WB testing on 12th April, 2016; the result was INDETERMINATE NEGATIVE (Bands present, but pattern does not meet criteria for POSITIVE). This put me in more worry. I then tested ELISA testing on 27th April, 2016; result was NEGATIVE.
What should I consider now? I am suffering from excessive flatulence and gassing. I get my nose block during bed time, at night. I have other unusual problems that I had never experienced and suffered in my life, earlier. Please help.

Answer:

Hi there, and thanks a lot for contacting the AIDS Vancouver Helpline for your HIV/AIDS related health information. It seems you're concerned about the possibility of HIV transmitting during an encounter, and about the accuracy of some tests since then. We're happy to answer your question for you.

Unprotected sex is indeed considered a high risk activity, meaning that most transmissions occur from activities such as these. So it's great you were proactive and went for testing after this encounter.

Here is a bit more information on the tests you've had since then:

Test Name

Method

Window Period

Conditions

Western Blot

Immunoblot which detects HIV antibodies directed against specific HIV proteins. Interpreted according to Canadian consensus guidelines.

4-6 weeks (may take up to 8 weeks for a positive result)

Standard test protocol, as confirmatory test. Considered to be "gold standard" for confirmation of HIV infection. If test results are indeterminate, PCR NAAT Tests are usually performed to confirm an infection. Conclusive at 4-6 weeks post exposure.

Enzyme Immunoassay Antibody (EIA) 3rd Generation (ELISA)

Blood test that looks for antibodies.

Up to 95% of infections are detectable within 4-6 weeks post exposure. Most people develop detectable antibodies in 21-25 days.

You'll see in the chart that the 3rd generation ELISA test you had is considered conclusive, meaning the results are taken as accurate, 3 months (or 12 weeks) post exposure. You'd have this ELISA test at about 4 months post exposure, so it is conclusively showing your present status. It may be that there was an error with the Western Blot test you had. You do not require further testing.

Thanks a lot for contacting the AIDS Vancouver Helpline with your question, we hope it has been answered fully.

AIDS Vancouver plays a special role in providing quality health care to people affected by HIV/AIDS living in the Lower Mainland. It is clearly more than just a community health care organization. It is an organization whose presence and continued strength is essential to the quality for life of this community and of each individual and family who draws on its services. Our Agency is a vital community asset which everyone affected by HIV/AIDS can share, and in which we all have a stake.